M2: Discuss the factors likely to influence current and future patterns of health in the UK.
D1: Evaluate the influence of government on factors that contribute to the current patterns of health and illness in the UK.
This assignment has achieved distinction overall. It has met the criteria reque...
Unit 12 M2 D1 Factors affecting the health of the public Megan Scully
M2: Discuss the factors likely to influence current and future patterns of health in the UK.
D1: Evaluate the influence of government on factors that contribute to the current patterns of
health and illness in the UK.
Age
Age has a major impact on the health of the population as individuals are now living longer than in
the past. This has increased the number of an ageing population, with most adults expecting to live
to around 81 years of age on average within the United Kingdom. In the UK there are over 65 million
individuals, 20 million of which, are aged 50 years and above. Due to the ageing population having
an increased life expectancy, it means that there is also an increase in diseases and disorders.
Presently, we know have a better knowledge base of conditions and disease affecting the health of
the ageing population and a better understanding of how to manage them, including the production
of treatments to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life and increase life expectancy. The
leading cause of death in the United Kingdom is now dementia, this is due to the ageing population
and has overtook ischaemic heart disease. Dementia comprises of 11.6% of all deaths in the UK in
2015. The surge in dementia diagnosis puts a strain on the NHS (National Health Service) and social
services as more financial support is required. Females typically have a longer life expectancy than
males, this is due to the larger rates of male suicide (biggest cause of death in males under the age
of 35) and due to males have more dangerous and physically challenging jobs compared to females.
Statistics show, that females are not living healthier lives compared to males however, this could be
accredited to the upsurge in cancers such as cervical and breast cancers. It could also be accredited
to the rise in STI's (Sexually Transmitted Infections), which seem to be much more acute in females.
It is also seen that males are much more physically active and are more frequent at gyms as opposed
to females. The government have campaigns such as the dementia campaign which was released on
World Alzheimer's Day and runs for 3 consecutive months. The campaign aims to raise awareness of
the condition, remove the stigmas attached and promote the early diagnosis of dementia. A series of
short films were released as part of the campaign and featured past England goalkeeper Gordon
Banks and English broadcaster and journalist Sir Michael Parkinson as they shared their personal
experiences of dementia. The campaign works in partnership with the 'Dementia Challenge'
campaign which supports and encourages those who have the first conversation after identifying the
symptoms and signs of dementia in a family member.
Diet
Diet is a lifestyle factor which can affect individuals at any stage of life. For example, a major current
concern is for high rates of child obesity. Current statistics show that the rate of child obesity has
increased, with 19.1% of children between the ages of 10 and 11 being obese and 14.2% being
overweight. These cases of high obesity and overweight rates could initiate a growth in children
developing diabetes, which is ranked as one of the four key health concerns within the UK with the
possibility of death. In the Knowsley area it is recorded that 23.9% of children aged between 10 and
11 are overweight, which could be credited to the diet of these individuals. This could be due to
consuming large volumes of processed and sugary foods which could be a result of the children
coming from low income families who can only afford unhealthy options. Schools have now taken on
government campaigns based around removing unhealthy foods from the diets of the pupils.
Another form of health promotion that has recently surfaced are large supermarkets promoting
healthy eating and a better lifestyle. For example, Tesco, the company has removed the sale of
confectionary and sugary drinks at the front of the store and has released a healthier eating
promotion through offering free fruit to children in store whose parents are shopping, in relation to
the 5-a-day campaign. Another example of health promotion is the use of celebrities to influence
children, young people and parents to eat healthier. For example, Jamie Oliver, a celebrity chef, has
a global campaign known as ‘Jamie’s food revolution’. Jamie states that it is the fundamental right of
all children to have access to fresh and nutritious foods. It is estimated however, that around 41
million children below the age of 5, are obese or overweight. Jamie Oliver discovered that many
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